Your Netflix app is about to get a social media makeover. The streaming giant confirmed in its first-quarter 2026 earnings letter to shareholders that a redesigned mobile app with a vertical video discovery feed will launch by the end of April. “This redesign will better reflect our growing entertainment offerings and make it easier for members to engage how and when they want,” the letter said.
How does Netflix use vertical video to help you find your next watch?
Netflix first tested a version of it in early 2025, but the rollout was limited. In beta testing, the vertical video discovery feed showed scrollable clips and trailers from Netflix shows and movies right on the app’s home screen.
You can tap a clip to watch it directly, add a song to your watch list, or share it with someone. The feature extends across all subscription plans and covers content across multiple genres, not just comedy like Netflix’s older Fast Laughs feed.
Short vertical videos are quickly becoming the preferred tool in the streaming industry to keep you glued to your phone. And Netflix isn’t the only one implementing vertical video feeds. Disney+ recently launched Verts, a swipeable vertical feed of movie and TV clips on its mobile app. Peacock went a step further, adding AI-powered vertical NBA broadcasts and a Your Bravoverse feed led by a digital Andy Cohen avatar.
What else is new on Netflix right now?
Beyond the vertical feed, the streaming platform is also launching Netflix Playground, a standalone gaming app for children under 8 years old. It’s free to use with your existing Netflix membership and requires no ads or in-app purchases.
Games with Peppa Pig, Elmo and other famous characters are available instantly, even offline. Playground is currently live in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Philippines and New Zealand, with a global launch scheduled for April 28th.
